American Structurepoint Inc., an Indianapolis-based architectural and engineering firm that intends to build a seven-building self-storage facility in Westfield, Ind., may be in for a battle with the city council. The company aims to develop 5 acres at the southwest corner of Indiana State Road 32 and Oak Ridge Road. However, council members expressed concerns about the development’s design and location during a Dec. 12 meeting.

December 21, 2016

2 Min Read
Engineering Firm American Structurepoint Battles Westfield, IN, City Council Over Self-Storage Proposal

American Structurepoint Inc., an Indianapolis-based architectural and engineering firm that intends to build a seven-building self-storage facility in Westfield, Ind., may be in for a battle with the city council. The company aims to develop 5 acres at the southwest corner of Indiana State Road 32 and Oak Ridge Road. However, council members expressed concerns about the development’s design and location during a Dec. 12 meeting.

Though the council didn’t take a vote, several members said the proposal doesn’t meet the standards set forth by the 32 Overlay Zone, which has stringent development and architectural standards for the underlying general business district, the source reported. Among its standards is a provision that reads, “Modulation of the roofs and/or roof lines shall be required in order to eliminate the appearance of box-shaped buildings.” One of American Structurepoint’s buildings would be three stories high.

“One of my first concerns with this project is I don’t think this was what we envisioned for the 32 corridor in terms of use,” councilmember Cindy Spoljaric said during the meeting. “We are looking for employment-generating uses.”

“If this were to move forward, I think architecturally there would have to be some significant improvements on the exterior buildings, even those on the sides,” agreed councilmember Steve Hoover. “The interior where you can’t see them, that’s one thing; but the east and west elevations will be visible from [Ind. 32]. Like Cindy, I would question if this is even the use we want on 32.”

Some council members indicated they’d prefer the proposal not be heard during an advisory plan commission meeting on Jan. 4, but American Structurepoint remains on the presentation schedule, according to the source.

“We spent a lot of time on the 32 Overlay, and it’s very important to maintain the integrity of this plan,” councilmember Jim Ake said. “I don’t see this fitting in.”

Founded in 1966, American Structurepoint offers architectural, economic-development, engineering, planning and other services. It has eight offices throughout Indiana as well as locations in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.

Sources:

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